Robbie Williams lays into Suede and Britpop bands – then apologises

Singer claims 'any quarter-decent three-chord knobheads could get a deal in the '90s'

Robbie Williams has criticised Suede, saying that any “quarter-decent” band of the Britpop era could get signed.

The comments came after Brett Anderson of Suede criticised pop music in a recent interview, saying that there “has always been crap pop music” and that the current popularity of boyband One Direction comes as a result of record labels creating stars by committee. Williams took exception to the claim by the frontman and wrote a passionate defence of pop music, as well as attacking Britpop bands, on his blog.

Typing in block capitals, Robbie Williams wrote: “Any quarter-decent three-chord knobheads could and did get a deal in the ’90s. I won’t name names because it would be unfair on… Echobelly, Shed 7, Symposium, Menswear, Sleeper, Hurricane Number 1, Ride, The Bluetones, Northern Uproar, Chapterhouse, Curve, Salad, Adorable, Cud, Spacehog, Kula Shaker, The Audience, Powder, King Maker and Geneva.” Geneva came in for particular criticism with Williams calling them “sub-Suede” and adding: “Can you imagine?”

Williams continued: “Should I go on? Cos I could and they sure fucking did. There were a few special indie bands then just as there are in every generation and just as some pop bands are useless, some are magnificent. I feel sorry for the people who are too bigoted to appreciate the latter. The world’s a lot more exciting with One Direction in it and more hearts will genuinely race at a new 1D album than they ever have or will at any Suede album in any period.”

However, the ‘Rudebox’ singer has since backtracked on his criticism of Suede and posted a second blog post shortly afterwards which states: “It would appear that I’ve gone off on a tangent not entirely created by Mr Brett Anderson of pop combo Suede. It won’t be the last time this happens and it felt good to get it off my chest. Thank you Brett, Suede’s new album ‘Bloodsports’ out now.” He adds: “It’s good too.”

Robbie Williams released his latest solo album ‘Take The Crown’ in 2012. ‘Bloodsports’ is Suede’s first album since their 2002 release ‘A New Morning’.